Piazza Duomo

Sacrosanct symbol of the city, the Duomo was built entirely of marble. Construction began in the late 14th century and, amazingly, it was only completed in 1966. This enormous, intricately-sculpted Italian Gothic cathedral features thousands of statues, including a Madonna located at an altitude of 350 feet, and resplendent stained glass windows. The soaring interior seems empty compared to its fantastical façade, but it does contain the unique reliquary of the Sacro Chiodo della Croce, or the sacred nail of the cross.

If you are fortunate enough to be in Milan on a clear day, a visit to the roof of the Duomo is a must. In addition to a splendid panoramic view of the city, this vantage point also affords the vistas of the Alps, reminding us that the mountains are not that far away and that a ski weekend is more than feasible.